DictionaryAI

stimulus

noun
USSTIM-yuh-luhs/ˈstɪm.jə.ləs/UKSTIM-yuu-lus/ˈstɪm.jʊ.ləs/

Pluralstimuluses, stimuli

3 meanings of stimulus

Practice

  1. 1
    nouncountable or uncountable
    Something that makes a person or system react, act, or change in some way.

    Like a push that gets you moving when you don't feel like it.

    A small reward can be a strong stimulus for kids to study harder.

    The new tax cut acted as a stimulus for the whole economy.

    Similarspur, incentive, impetus, boost, catalyst

    Oppositedeterrent, disincentive, discouragement

    Note
  2. 2
    nouncountable
    Something outside the body that causes a sense, feeling, or reaction.

    Like a doorbell that makes a dog start barking.

    A loud noise is a stimulus that makes babies cry.

    Bright light can be a stimulus for a headache in some people.

    Similarcue, signal, trigger

    Note
  3. 3
    nouncountable
    A part on the body of a plant or an insect that stings.
    Note

Practice

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Origin

It comes from the Latin word stimulus, meaning a goad or prick.